RACA Journal I January 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 7
NETWORKING
Fox pointed out that in real-world environments, engineers and manufacturers regularly exchange an array of file types:
• DWG / DXF – AutoCAD’ s standard formats
• RFA / RVT – Revit families and project files
• IFC – Industry Foundation Classes for BIM interoperability
• IGES( Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) and STEP( Standard for the Exchange of Product Data) – widely used in mechanical and manufacturing design
• CATPart / CATProduct – CATIA formats, common in automotive and aerospace
• SLDPRT / SLDASM – SolidWorks part and assembly files
Converting between these formats is rarely straightforward. Workarounds, such as exporting to intermediate formats via FreeCAD, may function but often lack the precision required for professional work. Commercial add-ons, like BricsCAD’ s Communicator module, exist specifically to solve these problems, reinforcing the value of proprietary systems for serious practitioners.
CENTRALISED REPOSITORIES AND THE CLOUD Fox stressed that integration goes beyond software, it requires robust data management. Many companies now employ centralised repositories or vaults to store drawings. Instead of walking across the shop floor with flash drives, operators log directly into the repository to access the latest approved files.
The next step in this evolution is cloud integration. By storing design files in the cloud, teams can collaborate across locations in real time. This approach is particularly valuable for large projects where architects, engineers and contractors must work together across disciplines.
Consistency remains essential. Companies often enforce strict drawing standards: fixed title block layouts, colour schemes, logo placement and specific annotation practices. These standards ensure that, regardless of who creates a drawing, it adheres to the company’ s identity and professional expectations.
Technology is only as effective as the people who use it. Fox outlined three primary pathways into CAD competency:
• Vendor training: Software developers such as Autodesk offer short, intensive courses( often five days) focused on tool-specific skills like drawing, editing and exporting
• Formal education: TVET colleges and specialist academies offer accredited qualifications, producing drafting technicians with recognised credentials
• Self-study: Online tutorials, peer guidance and experimentation provide an entry point, though professional roles increasingly require formal certification to demonstrate competence
Fox noted that while self-taught users may be sufficient for small in-house projects, client-facing or regulatory drawings demand accredited training. Employers and clients alike increasingly require formal qualifications to guarantee quality and accountability.
CLOSING THE LOOP FROM CAD TO CAM The real breakthrough comes when CAD is paired with Computer- Aided Manufacturing( CAM). Instead of stopping at the design stage, drawings are exported directly to manufacturing equipment. For example, a ducting flange can be drawn in 3D, digitally flattened and exported as a DXF( Drawing Exchange Format) file. That file is then processed into G-code, short for Geometric Code, a machine-readable instruction set that directs CNC( Computer Numerical Control) equipment such as milling machines, bending machines or laser cutters.
This eliminates manual calculations, accelerates production and improves accuracy. Automatic nesting – arranging multiple parts on a single metal sheet for minimal waste – further reduces material costs.
Fox highlighted how smaller manufacturers are increasingly investing in their own laser cutters rather than outsourcing. Where outsourced work might take one to two weeks, in-house cutting reduces turnaround times to hours, enabling rapid prototyping and greater flexibility.
Of course, all of this comes at a price. Licensing fees remain one of the greatest barriers to entry:
• AutoCAD licences typically cost R25 000 a year
• Autodesk’ s bundled Building Design Suite can exceed R50 000 a year
• High-end packages such as SolidWorks or Catia can reach R100 000 a year or more
• BricsCAD and Fusion 360 provide more affordable alternatives, with annual licences in the R9 000 – R10 000 range.
While these costs can be daunting, Fox argued that the return on investment is clear. Seamless integration reduces rework, prevents costly clashes on construction sites and accelerates production cycles. In a competitive industry, the ability to design, simulate and manufacture efficiently often outweighs licensing fees.
One of the most powerful applications of CAD / CAM lies in Building Information Modelling( BIM), particularly through Autodesk’ s Revit. By creating a unified 3D model of a building, multiple disciplines – architects, HVAC engineers, electricians, plumbers – can co-ordinate in the same digital environment.
This approach prevents costly clashes. Instead of discovering onsite that an electrical conduit and an air duct occupy the same space, conflicts are resolved digitally during the design stage. The result is smoother projects, fewer delays and significant cost savings.
THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE Fox closed his presentation with the message that integration is no longer optional. Companies that embrace CAD / CAM workflows, enforce drawing standards and invest in proper training gain a distinct advantage. Those that resist risk falling behind in efficiency, accuracy and competitiveness.
“ Ultimately,” Fox concluded,“ the industry is moving to a point where seamless collaboration between designers, engineers and manufacturers is the benchmark. Those who can integrate effectively will have the edge.” RACA
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RACA Journal I January 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 7